Neon day gecko (Phelsuma pusilla)

Short answers

Neon day gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50×50×80 cm for a pair — height matters more than floor area.

Neon day gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Neon day gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0, diurnal and sun-hungry).

Neon day gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Neon day gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 32–35 °C

Humidity

60–80 %, mist in the morning

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0, diurnal and sun-hungry)

Enclosure

Minimum size

50×50×80 cm for a pair — height matters more than floor area

Substrate

Bamboo tubes and vertical cork trunks, with forest-floor substrate and live plants

Feeding

Food

Insects of a suitable size plus fruit purée and nectar regularly, with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults insects 3×/week, fruit purée 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

8–10 cm

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

Eastern Madagascar

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

No winter rest; a somewhat shorter photoperiod in winter

Cohabitation

In pairs (one male, one female) is the simplest set-up. According to keeper reports, a small group of one male and several females also works without problems – drawback: more competition for food and laying sites. Never keep two males together; juveniles are very aggressive and must be reared individually.

Notes

Very small, so fine food is needed. Easily kept in planted tall enclosures.

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Related species

• Abbott's day gecko (Phelsuma abbotti) – Intermediate
• Barbour's day gecko (Phelsuma barbouri) – Intermediate
• Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) – Intermediate
• Lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata) – Beginner
• Gold dust day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda) – Beginner to intermediate
• Giant day gecko (Phelsuma grandis) – Beginner
• Seychelles giant day gecko (Phelsuma sundbergi) – Intermediate
• Comoros day gecko (Phelsuma v-nigra) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Neon day gecko (Phelsuma pusilla) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for a pair — height matters more than floor area), substrate (Bamboo tubes and vertical cork trunks, with forest-floor substrate and live plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.